Tensions are mounting within Police Scotland as the force prepares for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland, scheduled to begin this Friday.
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank-and-file officers across the country, has threatened potential legal action against the service over what it calls a breach of a key workforce agreement.
The disagreement centers on operational arrangements and officer compensation during the high-security visit, which has already placed intense demands on police resources. According to the SPF, Police Scotland has violated established agreements that protect officers’ working conditions, including guaranteed health and safety provisions and fair pay standards.
David Kennedy, general secretary of the SPF, stated in an interview with Sky News that the union is actively seeking legal advice.
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“Because of what we’ve termed breaches in our workforce agreement, we may be looking at taking legal action against the service,” Kennedy said. “There are two agreements in place—one specifically for the presidential visit and the broader force agreement. Both have been breached.”
Kennedy clarified that the dispute will not impact the overall security operation during the president’s stay. However, he stressed that the core of the issue lies in how officers are being paid and treated during a high-stress assignment that goes beyond routine duty.
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“These agreements are designed to ensure officers are fairly compensated for the extra strain and time demands placed on them during exceptional events like this,” Kennedy said. “It’s about more than money—it’s about respecting the standards we’ve set to protect our workforce.”
Police Scotland has yet to issue a formal response, but discussions with the SPF are reportedly ongoing in hopes of resolving the matter before Trump’s arrival. The visit is expected to draw widespread public attention, both for political reasons and due to the large-scale security measures being put in place across the country.
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